The Treaty of Berwick established a mutual defensive alliance between England and Scotland in 1586, aligning the two Protestant kingdoms against Catholic Spain and France.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 6 July 1586
- Meeting location
- Tolbooth, Berwick upon Tweed
- Annual pension to James VI
- 4000 £ per year
- English negotiator
- Thomas Randolph
- English signatory
- Edward Manners, 3rd Earl of Rutland
- Scottish signatory
- Francis Stewart, Earl of Bothwell
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
England and Scotland, both predominantly Protestant nations, faced threats from Catholic powers Spain and France. Elizabeth I sought a formal alliance partly to manage relations with James VI ahead of the politically sensitive execution of his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, while James was motivated by the prospect of succeeding to the English throne.
On 6 July 1586, following negotiations led by Thomas Randolph, Queen Elizabeth I and King James VI signed a mutual defensive alliance at Berwick upon Tweed. The treaty committed each country to aid the other in the event of invasion. James VI also issued a proclamation imposing extra penalties on cross-border raiders for forty days surrounding the signing.
James VI received an annual pension of £4,000 from England, widely interpreted as implicit recognition of his place as Elizabeth's heir. James did ultimately succeed to the English throne in 1603. The treaty also opened discussions about abolishing customs duties and granting mutual denizen status to English and Scottish subjects, though these broader provisions were not included in the final articles.
Political Outcome
A mutual defensive alliance ('league of amity') was agreed, committing England and Scotland to aid each other against invasion by Catholic powers
England and Scotland lacked a formal alliance; French influence was strong in the Scottish court
England and Scotland bound by mutual defence pact; French diplomatic opposition sidelined; James VI secured English pension and succession prospects